Man City: Pep Guardiola offers explanation for Jack Grealish's lack of game time | OneFootball

The 29-year-old hasn’t scored a goal for Manchester City in over a year

Pep Guardiola has explained why Jack Grealish is not receiving much game time.

Grealish has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City amid a decline in his output, with the Englishman having made just two goal contributions in 19 appearances in all competitions for City this season.

Grealish has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in recent weeks due to his decreasing involvement for City.

Savinho, 20, is one winger whose stocks have risen hugely in the same period. The Brazilian picked up three assists in the win against the Hammers.

Asked what Grealish must do to dislodge the likes of Savinho, Guardiola replied: “It’s easy. He has to compete. Right now, Savinho is in better shape than Jack. That’s why I play Savinho.

“What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box [is that] it’s higher than the other wingers in that position, and they have to fight.”

Savinho impressed during Man City’s 4-1 win over West Ham.

Action Images via Reuters

Speaking about those of his attackers struggling for regular minutes, the City manager said: “They have to prove, ‘Okay, I am going to fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position — in every single day, in every single week, in every single month.

“That is because I fought a lot for him to be here. I know he can do it, because I saw him! I saw the level, and I want that every single training sessions, every single game. That’s why he [Savinho] plays: because he produced.

“Two weeks ago, he [Grealish] was injured. I need rhythm. I don’t have any doubts about the quality of Jack. He would not be here [otherwise].

“The responsibility belongs to the players, absolutely. They have to take it, and they have to deliver.”